From April 14th to 17th, the 2025 "Perceiving China - Experiencing the Century Long Journey of China Merchants and Witnessing the Development of New Quality Productivity" social practice activity, hosted by the China Scholarship Council and organized by the International Students’ Education Center of Dalian Maritime University (DMU), was held in the "Miracle City" of Shenzhen. 12 international students of Dalian Maritime University students from 6 countries including Pakistan, Panama, Turkmenistan, Tanzania, Republic of the Congo, The Democratic Republic of the Congo participated in the activity, deeply felt the vitality of China's reform and opening up frontier, and understood the vivid sample of Chinese path to modernization in Shenzhen's innovative development practice. This event has received strong support from China Merchants Port Group, Alumni Affairs and Student Employment Office of DMU, and others.
Exploring the history of reform and opening up and discussing the culture of special zone
From the once desolate small fishing village to the now towering international coastal new city, Shenzhen has written a magnificent development legend in over 40 years. This is not only the birthplace of the reform slogan “Time is money, and efficiency is life', but also a vivid epitome of China's urbanization, industrialization, and internationalization. As one of the most representative ecological landmarks in the center of Shenzhen, Lianhua Mountain Park carries the memory and vitality of the city. It is not only a "spiritual charging station" for citizens, but also a concrete carrier of Shenzhen's reform and opening-up spirit. At the main peak square of Lianhua Mountain, the towering shape of the bronze statue of Deng Xiaoping, the chief designer of the reform and opening-up policy, complements the skyline of the central area of Shenzhen. Here, students stopped and admired the bronze statue of Comrade Deng Xiaoping, expressing their admiration for him.
The Shenzhen Museum at the foot of Lianhua Mountain has three permanent exhibition areas: "Ancient Shenzhen", "Modern Shenzhen", and "History of Reform and Opening up". In the "History of Reform and Opening up" exhibition area, the yellowed land auction announcement of Shekou Industrial Zone, the original copy of the first stock certificate "Shenbao'an", the slogan "Time is Money" and other exhibits embody the abstract spirit of reform, allowing international students to immerse themselves in the "ice breaking journey" of the special zone.
The development of China Merchants Group represents half of China’s history of modern and contemporary industrial and commercial development. The History Museum of China Merchants Group traces how this national enterprise, spanning three centuries, became a "living fossil" of China's modern industrial and commercial development through more than 2000 precious cultural relics, historical images, and digital exhibitions. By listening to explanations, watching videos and historical relics, students intuitively felt the courage of "daring to be the first in the world" and the responsibility of "empty talk harms the country, and practical work promotes the country".
Exploring China's construction and jointly seeing new heights of development
As the tallest building in Shenzhen and the fifth tallest building in the world, Ping An International Financial Center not only embodies the pioneering and innovative spirit of the reform and opening-up system, but also witnesses the prosperity of Shenzhen. Students took the elevator with a speed of up to 10m/s to reach the Free Sky observation deck on the 116th floor. At an altitude of 547.6 meters, they can enjoy a 360 degree panoramic view of Shenzhen and feel the vibrant vitality of Shenzhen as the core engine of the Guangdong Hong Kong Macao Greater Bay Area. Subsequently, everyone visited the largest active electromagnetic damper in Asia located on the 114th floor and experienced the charm of "black technology" up close.
The Hong Kong Zhuhai Macao Bridge is the first super large cross sea passage jointly built by Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao. It not only conquered the ocean barrier with its magnificent 55 kilometer body, but also demonstrated the extraordinary wisdom of Chinese engineers with its world first "bridge island tunnel" cluster design. Students took a cruise ship, gazing at the majestic bridge from afar and the engineering details up close, all of them were shocked. They deeply realized that it takes the collective creativity of all to create such a world shaking engineering miracle.
Exploring 5G Technology and Building a Digital Future Together
As a leading global provider of comprehensive information and communication technology solutions, ZTE uses innovative technology and product solutions to serve more than 1/4 of the world's population, committed to achieving a better future where communication and trust are ubiquitous. At the exhibition hall of ZTE Corporation's R&D building, students can experience the rich scenarios and unlimited opportunities brought by 5G technology to various industries through listening to explanations, experiencing ultra clear electronic screens, 5G phones, and AI smart devices.
Mawan Smart Port is the first 5G green and low-carbon smart port in the Guangdong Hong Kong Macao Greater Bay Area, built by China Merchants Group. Here, by watching introductory videos and visiting the Intelligent Operation Center, international students can personally experience the operation scene of this world's leading automated container terminal. High tech equipment such as unmanned intelligent guided vehicles, automated bridge cranes, and remote control systems broaden their horizons.
The four-day journey of perceiving China is full of historical, cultural, and technological development. International students measured China's modern history at the Shenzhen Museum, touched the century old business pulse at the China Merchants History Museum, looked up at the reform monument at Lianhua Mountain, climbed the high cloud peak at Ping An International Financial Center, flied across the steel rainbow at the Hong Kong Zhuhai Macao Bridge, experienced 5G innovation and development at ZTE, and explored unmanned docks at Mawan Smart Port. The genetic map of Shenzhen slowly unfolded in front of them. The narrative from "small fishing village" to "miracle city" is no longer an abstract concept, but has been transformed into tangible historical objects, measurable technological breakthroughs, and perceptible humanistic warmth, vividly presented to students. The development process, speed, and philosophy of China's reform and opening up have been deeply imprinted in the hearts of students, injecting a continuous source of motivation and far-reaching influence into their future study life in China. We believe that this unforgettable journey of perceiving China will sow the seeds of ideas and culture in the hearts of students. As they continue to grow and improve, they will also pass on these memories and feelings to more places and more people.
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Student Reflections
土库曼斯坦籍博士生 ODENYAZOVA MAYSA（小美）
刚刚结束深圳之行，心情还久久不能平静。深圳，也叫“鹏城”，真的是一座充满奇迹的城市。几天的行程里，我们走过了深圳的高楼与公园、科技与历史、速度与温度。站在平安金融中心下，仰望的是城市的雄心壮志；在深圳博物馆和莲花山公园，感受到的是城市的底蕴与宁静。参观中兴通讯时，我看到的不是一个企业，而是一种引领未来发展的科技力量。妈湾智慧港完全让我震撼：高度自动化的操作系统，精准高效，像是亲眼见证未来正在发生。而招商局历史博物馆则带我们走进了一段段真实的改革与开放历程——从19世纪的航运，到今天的数字化战略，每一步都充满时代的重量。这次行程中还有一个特别难忘的瞬间——当我们的邮轮从港珠澳大桥下缓缓驶过，那一刻真是令人震撼。抬头望去，仿佛看到一个个世界在此交汇：科技、基础设施、人群与梦想。这座大桥不仅是工程奇迹，更像是开放与互联的象征。那一瞬间，天空、海洋以及桥两端的城市，都仿佛融为一个整体，踏着同一个节奏，驶向同一个未来。最让我触动的一句话是：“来了深圳就是深圳人了。”在这里，没有人问你从哪里来，重要的是你想成为什么样的人。四天时间，仿佛我也成为了深圳的一部分。
巴基斯坦籍硕士生 BATOOL MINERVA （布婷瑞）
Shenzhen, the city of miracles, where "Time is Money, Efficiency is Life" is not just a slogan, it is a way of life. The International Students’ Education Center of Dalian Maritime University arranged an unforgettable adventure in Shenzhen for a group of students and I am so glad I was a part of those amazing people, from discovering the city's thrilling spots to exploring the tech hubs and smart ports. Shenzhen, you’ve captured my heart! This city is truly extraordinary, and I’m still energized from the experience. Its unique mix of innovation, technology, and history makes it a captivating destination. I’m thankful for the chance to explore Shenzhen’s marvels and eager to share these stories with others!
